Northwestern State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 92% acceptance rate, Northwestern State is broadly accessible, so your strategy should focus on entering with a score that supports a strong start. Since ACT scores are the norm here, aim for the upper half of the 18-24 range, especially if your GPA is near the 3.37 entering average.
⬡ LangSmith6a1e8d9b-52b5-4068-8315-5a3bcd60dc03Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Northwestern State University facts and stats
Northwestern State University enrolls 7,595 undergraduates. Northwestern State has a freshman retention rate of 70% and a 6-year graduation rate of 46%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Northwestern State is test-required for admissions.
⬡ LangSmitha21ae5ee-973b-4111-bce0-69322d4a77dfNatchitoches, LA
How do your scores compare at Northwestern State?
Key Northwestern State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. Because Northwestern State requires test scores and has a May 1 financial aid priority deadline, a December senior-year retake should still leave time for scores to arrive before that date.
⬡ LangSmith739fa274-6d98-4608-9292-294b18153279Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Northwestern State University?
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What you'll actually pay
At Northwestern State, in-state tuition is $5,180 and out-of-state tuition is $15,968. About 76% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,205. The FAFSA priority deadline is May 1.
⬡ LangSmith195f5e72-681c-40a9-bf8f-e3c5c4f56f30
At Northwestern State, out-of-state tuition is $15,968, while in-state tuition is $5,180, with room and board adding $10,462. Financial aid is common, with 76% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $17,379. The average merit award is $5,205, which can help reduce the billed cost for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,923.
⬡ LangSmith5be054a4-0925-4bc4-b019-a938227c8ee6Student life at Northwestern State University
22% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Louisiana State University of Alexandria
Alexandria, LAAcceptance rate: 92.1%
SAT: 910–1110
ACT: 17–22
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, ARAcceptance rate: 95.9%
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Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAcceptance rate: 96.4%
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Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TXAcceptance rate: 88.6%
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ACT: 19–25
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